Clear skies and a brisk westerly wind encouraged some well place optimism with the club fleet out and private gliders rigged.
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| An optimistic start for the day with both private and club gliders being prepared . |
The soaring conditions remained tricky all day. We have noticed this on previous occasions with strong westerly winds like today. The jury is still out but it seems likely that the conditions are affected by a wave system triggered by the Bodmin Moor, several miles upwind in Cornwall. Astonishing areas of lift showing more than 10knots with very strong areas of sinking air with the system moving around continuously, seemingly at random, hints at rotor activity. Occasionally areas of smooth lift was found further strengthening the idea of a wave system perhaps being broken up by the thermal activity which, in turn, is being broken up by the wave system.
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| Tavistock and the Tamar estuary shrouded in haze. |
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| The airfield from 2,700 feet |
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| Introduction flight for Joe Dash for his birthday. |
With 2 groups of visitors planned and plenty of club training to do, the instructing team of Ged Nevisky and IFP Rick Wiles and IFP Mike Jardine kept the K13’s busy. On the club front it was interesting to see returning member ( and ex Junior Nationals pilot ) Richard Roberts starting out to regain his flight status after an absence of approximately 20 years. Great news.
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| Richard relaxing with a cup of tea after getting back into a glider |
The first group of visitors today was the 2nd Plymstock cubs and their leader Nick Hele. Although they did not fly they were given a thorough tour of all the gliding activities and spent some time in the simulators. I wonder if any of them will become glider pilots in the future?
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| 2nd Plymstock cubs |
The second group today was a stag party. They all flew with either Mike or Rick and then adjourned to the clubhouse for a BBQ and a beer or two in preparation for their planned night on the town. A memorable stag party indeed.
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| A very organised stag party |
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| Another photo for my glider pilots strange hat series |
A busy day
Steve
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